Shirley Chisholm Biography – Learn about the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Discover her net worth, children, family, ethnicity, education, death, fun facts, and career achievements in this detailed biography.
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing American politician, educator, and author. As the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. She later made history again by becoming the first Black woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. Known for her unwavering dedication to social justice, Chisholm fought for civil rights, education reform, and women’s rights throughout her career.
Shirley Chisholm Biography: Personal Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1924 |
| Date of Death | January 1, 2005 |
| Age at Death | 80 years old |
| Cause of Death | Stroke |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Caribbean (Barbadian and Guyanese descent) |
| Education | Brooklyn College (B.A.), Columbia University (M.A.) |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Career Start | Elected to New York State Assembly (1965) |
| Major Achievements | First Black woman in U.S. Congress (1968), First Black woman to run for U.S. President (1972) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million (at the time of her death) |
| Children | None |
| Family | Married to Conrad Chisholm (1949–1977), Arthur Hardwick Jr. (1986–2005) |
Key Takeaways
- Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968.
- She was the first Black woman to run for the U.S. presidency in 1972.
- Chisholm was a strong advocate for civil rights, gender equality, and education reform.
- She had an Afro-Caribbean heritage, with Barbadian and Guyanese roots.
- Chisholm earned a Bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
- She was married twice but had no children.
- She passed away on January 1, 2005, at the age of 80 due to complications from a stroke.
- Her estimated net worth at the time of her death was $5 million.
- She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
Early Life and Family Background
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Charles St. Hill and Ruby Seale St. Hill, were immigrants from Barbados and Guyana.
At a young age, Chisholm was sent to live with her grandmother in Barbados, where she spent six years of her childhood. This experience helped shape her strong values of education and discipline. She later returned to Brooklyn, where she completed her schooling.
Education and Academic Achievements
Chisholm was an exceptional student. She earned a scholarship to Brooklyn College, where she graduated in 1946 with a degree in sociology and history. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, she pursued her education further, earning a Master’s degree in early childhood education from Columbia University in 1952.
Political Career and Achievements
Shirley Chisholm’s political career was groundbreaking. She entered politics in 1965, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly. However, her most historic moment came in 1968, when she became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
Major Political Achievements
- First Black Woman in Congress (1968): Represented New York’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms (1969–1983).
- Founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (1971): Helped create the group to advance African American interests in politics.
- First Black Woman to Run for President (1972): Made history with her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
- Advocate for Women and Minorities: Supported legislation for education, child welfare, and employment opportunities.
- Opposed the Vietnam War: She was a vocal critic of the war and fought for better domestic policies.
Presidential Campaign of 1972
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. Her campaign slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed”, emphasizing her independence from political corruption.
Despite limited funding and racial discrimination, she gained significant support from women and minority communities. Although she did not win the nomination, her campaign inspired future women and minority candidates.
Net Worth and Financial Status
At the time of her passing in 2005, Shirley Chisholm’s estimated net worth was $5 million. Her wealth primarily came from her salary as a congresswoman, public speaking engagements, and book sales.
Death and Cause of Death
Shirley Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005, at the age of 80, in Ormond Beach, Florida. She suffered from a stroke in late 2004, which led to her declining health.
Fun Facts About Shirley Chisholm
- She was fluent in Spanish, which helped her connect with Hispanic communities in her district.
- She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971.
- She survived multiple assassination attempts during her presidential campaign.
- She was the first Black woman to serve on the House Rules Committee.
- She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 by President Barack Obama.
Legacy and Influence
Shirley Chisholm’s legacy remains strong and influential. She paved the way for leaders like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her fight for equality, justice, and representation continues to inspire politicians and activists worldwide.
Conclusion
Shirley Chisholm was a political pioneer, a fearless advocate for social justice, and a role model for women and minorities. From her historic congressional win in 1968 to her groundbreaking presidential campaign in 1972, she left an unshakable mark on American history. Her dedication to fighting for the oppressed and underrepresented ensures that her legacy lives on.
FAQs About Shirley Chisholm Biography
1. What was Shirley Chisholm’s net worth at the time of her death?
Shirley Chisholm’s estimated net worth was $5 million at the time of her passing in 2005.
2. Did Shirley Chisholm have any children?
No, Shirley Chisholm did not have any children.
3. What was Shirley Chisholm’s ethnicity?
She was of Afro-Caribbean descent, with her father from Guyana and her mother from Barbados.
4. How did Shirley Chisholm die?
She passed away on January 1, 2005, due to complications from a stroke.
5. What was Shirley Chisholm’s biggest achievement?
Her biggest achievements include becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress (1968) and the first Black woman to run for the U.S. presidency (1972).
